This message is being sent on behalf of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Please direct any questions to diversity@durhamcollege.ca.

Durham College’s (DC) Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI) works year-round to increase in all members of the campus community the knowledge, skills and awareness related to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. This academic year, OEDI will launch the You Belong Equity & Action dialogue series to support the college in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) capacity building.

Education is a key mechanism for advancing inclusion and creating environments where all members belong. The transformative impact of education requires all members of the school to make a lifelong commitment to learning, implement this knowledge into practice and take responsibility for continuing to advance DC’s culture of inclusion and belonging.

Please join us as DC continues to lead the way in advancing inclusive excellence with our first virtual speaker event of the You Belong series.

Unconscious Bias and Acting for Inclusion

Maydianne Andrade, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, takes a non-judgmental approach to outline how unconscious biases in the assessment of competence and achievements of women, racialized persons and others from marginalized groups can derail good intentions for equitable teaching, recruitment and retention. By the end of this online session, participants can expect to better understand how to interrupt unconscious bias and promote inclusive cultures.

When: Wednesday, October 19 from noon to 1 p.m.

Please register in advance. Guests planning to attend are asked to complete this short survey prior to attending. The session will be recorded.

DC thanks you for continuing to support and participate in efforts to foster inclusion and equity on campus.

This message is being shared on behalf of the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC). Please direct any questions to Indigenous@durhamcollege.ca.

On Friday, September 30, Durham College (DC) will recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Designated as a federal statutory holiday in 2021, this day provides us with an opportunity to show respect for Residential School survivors, their families and communities. It also offers a chance to reflect on the history of residential schools as a vital component of the reconciliation process, as we strive to fulfill the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

We’d like to remind you that you’re invited to participate in the following events to help foster understanding and a commitment to change:

• Global Class Keynote: Indigenous (mis)Representation in the Media
  When: Tuesday, September 27 from 3 to 5 p.m.
  Where: The Rotary Global Classroom, in-person and online
  Keynote speaker: Award-winning Indigenous storyteller and journalist, Pamela Post
• Orange Shirt Day Ceremony
  When: Friday, September 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.
  Where: Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard, outside the Centre for Collaborative Education
  Additional details about this event will be shared in the coming days.

We hope you can join us in marking this incredibly significant day, as we all work towards increasing awareness and understanding of our shared history by acknowledging our role and responsibility in reconciliation.

We encourage you to learn more about Orange Shirt Day at DC and explore our online resources and learning opportunities.

Miigwetch.

(Thank you)

This message is being sent on behalf of Parking Services.

As communicated on Monday, Durham College (DC) is experiencing an increased demand for parking permits at our Whitby campus, and as a result, parking spaces are limited.

We’re pleased to announce that we have found a solution, and have secured an off-site parking contract with Landmark Cinemas for 100 spaces, beginning Monday, September 26, 2022, and remaining available until April 28, 2023.

A shuttle schedule and map for off-site parking are now available online.

We continue to encourage students and employees who live locally to use public transit or carpool. Students can also take advantage of the U-PASS Program with Durham Region Transit. Please remember that individuals entering the Whitby campus parking lot after 5:00 p.m. and exiting before 11:00 p.m. will be required to pay a $3.00 flat rate fee.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.

This message is being sent on behalf of Parking Services.

As communicated last week, Durham College (DC) is experiencing an increased demand for parking permits at our Whitby campus, and as a result, parking spaces are limited.

We have been actively seeking additional parking solutions, and are pleased to tell you we have secured an off-site parking contract with Landmark Cinemas for 100 spaces.

When is the new parking available?

This service will begin Monday, September 26, 2022, and remain available until April 28, 2023. 

Where is the new parking located?

The temporary parking is located at Landmark Cinemas, 75 Consumers Drive, Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A7. A detailed map of where to park, including a shuttle schedule with pick-up/drop-off locations, will be provided later this week.

How will I get to and from campus?

A complimentary shuttle service will provide round trip service, approximately every 30 minutes, between Landmark Cinemas parking and our DC Whitby campus. The shuttle will be available Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Excluding statutory holidays.

Will I have to pay for this off-site parking or the shuttle?

No, this off-site parking and the shuttle service are provided at no cost to students, employees or visitors.

We continue to encourage students and employees who live locally to use public transit or carpool. Students can also take advantage of the U-PASS Program with Durham Region Transit. Please remember that individuals entering the Whitby campus parking lot after 5:00 p.m. and exiting before 11:00 p.m. will be required to pay a $3.00 flat rate fee.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time. We will provide further details later this week.

This message is being sent on behalf of Parking Services.

Durham College and Ontario Tech University have experienced a significant increase in the demand for parking permits at the shared Oshawa campus.

As a result, we regret to inform you that our parking lots have currently reached capacity, and we no longer have annual or fall 2022 semester passes available for purchase. 

We are actively seeking additional parking solutions. Parking Services and Precise Parklink will be monitoring parking lot activity with an eye to potentially increasing permit sales if space allows.

In the meantime, students and employees visiting the Oshawa campus who do not have a parking pass are strongly encouraged to make alternative travel arrangements such as public transit or carpooling as a temporary measure. Students can also take advantage of the U-PASS Program with Durham Region Transit.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation, we will provide further updates if the status of available parking changes.

This message is being sent on behalf of Parking Services.

Durham College (DC) is experiencing an increased demand for parking permits at our Whitby campus, and as a result, parking spaces are limited.

The large greenspace located adjacent to the campus is protected under Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) regulations, which means DC is unable to expand our current parking lot into that space.

We are actively seeking additional parking solutions, but in the meantime, students and employees visiting the Whitby campus are strongly encouraged to make alternative travel arrangements such as public transit or carpooling as a temporary measure. Students can also take advantage of the U-PASS Program with Durham Region Transit.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation, and we will provide updates as soon as possible.

This message is being shared on behalf of Don Lovisa, president Durham College.

Today we join our global community in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll (1926-2022).

As Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth’s death marks the end of an era. Dedicating her life to the service of others, she represented stability and impeccable duty to our nation. We send our condolences to the British Royal Family and the countless lives she has touched across the globe.

Flags at Durham College’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses will be lowered to half-mast in recognition of her 70 years of service as Queen of Canada and Head of State. The flags on our campuses will continue to fly at half-mast until the morning after her funeral.

This message is being shared on behalf of Jennifer Cosway, associate vice-president, Human Resources. Please direct any questions to Amanda Blenkhorn, manager, Ancillary Services, at ext. 2213.

GDI Integrated Facility Services (GDI) is the contracted cleaning service that Durham College (DC) uses to maintain the cleanliness of its offices and educational areas. As communicated last week, GDI unionized employees, represented by Unifor Local 222, are currently in a work stoppage and continue to picket along the perimeter of the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. Please anticipate delays when arriving and leaving campus.

Arriving to campus:

Picketers are not permitted to prevent access to campus or use aggressive behaviour. While they are required to keep traffic moving across picket lines, stopping of vehicles and attempts to engage in discussions causing delays should be expected. Large gatherings of picketers are anticipated.

Expectations of students and employees when approaching campus entrances:

• Anticipate delays and plan your visit to campus accordingly.
• If operating a vehicle, approach the entrances with caution, being mindful of picketers and oncoming traffic.
• Picketers may hand you information or converse with you as you approach the line—please know you have a right not to engage in conversation or disclose personal information with picketers.

Please remain respectful and patient when passing GDI picketers. It is important to remember that GDI employees picketing in a lawful strike are members of our campus community.

If you encounter any difficulties crossing the picket lines and need immediate help to address safety concerns, please contact Durham Regional Police Service through 911. If you personally experienced an incident while crossing the picket lines that you would like to report, please email incidentreport@durhamcollege.ca with an explanation of what occurred, your full name and Banner ID/student number.

Public transportation:

Public transit to and from our Oshawa and Whitby campuses continues as scheduled; however, buses will not cross the picket line. As a result, new temporary stops for Durham Region Transit (DRT), as well as GO Transit, have been created at safe and convenient locations, which can be found online under the transit section. Please be aware that DRT’s Specialized Services continue to provide its regular service onto campus for those requiring accessible transportation.

Cleaning protocols:

The safety of our campus community and the college’s cleanliness are our top priorities. GDI continues to maintain service standards to ensure our campus cleaning protocols are met. Priority service is given to high-traffic areas, washrooms, waste removal, slip and fall hazards and keeping educational areas clean to support program delivery.

We will continue to provide updates via:

Students: DC Mail, DC app, and the website.
Employees:  Email, ICE and the website.

Thank you for your co-operation and patience during this time.

This message is being sent on behalf of IT Services. Please direct any questions to servicedesk@dc-ot.ca.

Beginning Thursday, September 1, IT Services will enable self-service password reset (SSPR) for Durham College (DC) student network accounts. If you register for SSPR through your Microsoft 365 account, you will be able to change or reset your network password without needing to contact the IT Service Desk, even if you have forgotten your password.

How it works

Once you enable SSPR, you will be asked to add or review your contact information the next time you sign in. Microsoft will use the contact information to send you a code to confirm your identity and choose a new password.

Many students have already set up their Microsoft 365 account for multifactor authentication, or two-factor security verification. The methods for two-step security verification will also work for SSPR. This includes:

• Microsoft Authenticator App approval
• SMS or text verification code
• Automated call from Microsoft to a smartphone, cell phone or landline
• Security key

With SSPR enabled, users can also set up two additional security verification methods, including an email account and security questions.

It is not required for DC students to use SSPR, but IT Services strongly recommends that you review the security options on your Microsoft account and make updates as needed.

Please continue to keep your login credentials private. IT Services will never ask you for your password. In the event you require assistance with updating your DC Microsoft 365 profile, or exceed the maximum number of failed login attempts, the IT Service Desk is available for support. They can be reached via phone at 905.721.3333, email at servicedesk@dc-ot.ca or on their webpage.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

This message is being shared on behalf of Jennifer Cosway, associate vice-president, Human Resources. Please direct any questions to Amanda Blenkhorn, manager, Ancillary Services, at ext. 2213.

As we continue to monitor the ongoing labour negotiations between the unionized employees of GDI Integrated Facility Services and Unifor – Local 222, please be advised that beginning Monday, August 29, 2022, there may be a significant increase in picketers present at the Oshawa and Whitby campus entrances.

As communicated last week, GDI provides cleaning services at the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses. While they’re not Durham College (DC) employees, they do have a legal right to demonstrate on municipal property in front of the college. Durham College is not involved in the negotiations between GDI and Unifor.

We understand that for some of you, this may be your first experience witnessing a work stoppage. We urge you to remain respectful and patient when passing GDI picketers. GDI staff who will continue to provide services to the College, as is allowable under their collective agreements, are also to be treated respectfully

Picketers in a legal labour dispute are permitted to:

• Establish picket lines on public property (usually at roadway entrances) to peacefully communicate information to those entering the campus.
• Carry signs stating the nature of the dispute.
• Speak about their concerns to those approaching a picket line.

Picketers are not permitted to prevent access to campus or use aggressive behaviour. They are expected to keep traffic moving across picket lines; however, you may experience delays.

Expectations of DC students when approaching campus entrances:

• Anticipate possible delays and plan your visit to campus accordingly.
• If operating a vehicle, approach the entrances with caution, being mindful of picketers.
• Be patient and remain respectful. Picketers may hand you information and then allow you to pass.

If you encounter any difficulties when arriving on campus, please contact Campus Security at ext. 2400.

We will continue to provide updates via DC Mail and the DC app as soon as they become available.